U-frame scaffolding assembly

ABSTRACT

A novel scaffolding assembly is provided for use in placing and working with construction materials to be arranged to have a substantial height dimension and includes a U-shaped framework having an open-ended interior work area, a plurality of parallel stacked platform surfaces providing substantially full accessibility to the construction materials, ladder means for gaining access to the platform surfaces and lifting means removably positioned on the framework for lifting the construction materials. The entire framework is mounted on support wheels and can be assembled and disassembled on a job site. The framework can be removed from a vertically formed column reinforcement matrix without the need to disassemble the framework.

United States Patent [191 Spencer U-FRAME SCAFFOLDING ASSEMBLY [76] Inventor: Owen C. Spencer, 128-32 Racine St., Calumet Park, 111. 60445 [22] Filed: May 24, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 363,513

[ June 18, 1974 Primary Examiner-Reinaldo P. Machado Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Lester N. Arnold [57] ABSTRACT A novel scaffolding assembly is provided for use in placing and working with construction materials to be arranged to have a substantial height dimension and includes a U-shaped framework having an open-ended interior work area, a plurality of parallel stacked platform surfaces providing substantially full accessibility to the construction materials, ladder means for gaining access to the platform surfaces and lifting means removably positioned on the framework for lifting the construction materials. The entire framework is mounted on support wheels and can be assembled and disassembled on a job site. The framework can be removed from a vertically formed column reinforcement matrix without the need to disassemble the framework.

14 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PAIENTEDJuu 1 a 1914 SHEU 10F 5 FATENTEDJUM 1 8 I914 sum 5 nr- 5 1 U-FRAME SCAFFOLDING ASSEMBLY This invention relates to scaffolding apparatus useful in the building construction industry and more particularly relates to a novel structure for scaffolding apparatus especially adapted for placing and working with construction materials to be arranged to have a substantial vertical dimension.

A multitude of scaffolding structures exists in the building construction field. Most scaffolding structures are configured to meet a specific need through being assembled from interconnecting piece parts on a job site and thereafter disassembled to permit removal to another job site or to facilitate storage. Obviously, such scaffolding assemblies have been structured in a myriad of sizes and shapes limited only by the imagination of the worker who structures the same and the particular It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a scaffolding assembly particularly advantageous for arranging heavy construction materials in a constructional need to be met. On many construction sites, it remains more appropriate to configure the scaffolding structure to meet the nature of the support required and the work space available for assembling and containing the scaffolding structure. However, in some types of construction there arises a need to retain the scaffolding structure in its assembled configuration until a total job is complete wherein the scaffolding structure must be relocated numerous times to different physical locations. Hence, there is a need that such scaffolding structures be readily portable or transportable. Further, since pay grades for skilled construction workers are for the most part relatively high and are computed by the hour, time spent in assembling and disassembling scaffolding structures can significantly add to constructionlabor costs, and certainly presents one area where costs savings through reduction of labor can be realized.

in particular, in the arts of steel reinforcement and placing of steel and iron such as rods and re-bars to comprise structural reinforcement elements or members for concrete beams, columns and piers, heretofore there has been a notable lack of suitable scaffolding apparatus which can be either placed at a selected job site as a pre-assembled integral structure or quickly assembled at the job site in a minimum time period. Existing scaffolding assemblies have not been readily transportable between pluralities of closely spaced work locations on a job site such as between a number of column locations on the different floors of a multi-story building. Scaffolding apparatus presently used for constructing a multi-bar reinforcement matrix for a concrete support column lack the capability to substantially enclose the work area during the setting and tying of a number of vertical re-bars and at the same time remain capable of being removed from the installed re-bar matrix without being at least partially disassembled. Also, existing scaffolding assemblies in large do not provide more than a single elevated work height above foundation level. Further, the safety features of existing scaffolding structure as used to set concrete column reinforcement are particularly bad or non-existent. Still further, the handling and placement of such heavy apparatus as reinforcement bars of extended lengths must 'now be aided by the use of large cranes and boom hoist devices. A significant savings in labor and equipment costs can be realized through reducing and/or eliminating the actual time such lifting equipment is needed on a job. All of these labor savings can aid in reducing constructional costs.

vertical assembly. it is another object to provide a work area generally internal to the scaffolding assembly whereby maximum access can be provided from all sides of the work area to facilitate handling and working with said materials. It is an object to provide a scaffolding assembly which can be removed from the work area following material installation without the disassembly or removal of the installed materials or the disassembly of the scaffolding unit. it is still another object of the invention to provide a plurality of equally accessible elevated working levels from which to construct and work with the materials present within the interior work area. A further object is to provide a readily transportable scaffolding unit which can be removed to other nearby work areas without the aid of lifting means in environments providing an integral underlying support surface, and which can be transported without the need of disassembling the scaffolding unit. Still a further object is to provide a scaffolding unit which includes lifting means for setting and placing heavy construction materials. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a scaffolding unit whereon a number of workers can perform their tasks with a marked increase level of safety against personal injury.

A scaffolding assembly useful for placing and working with construction materials to be arranged to have a substantial height dimension as compared to other dmensions thereof, the scaffolding assembly comprising a generally U-shaped integral framework having a bight section frame and two leg section frames defining an open-ended work area therebetween within which to permit placement of and working with the construction materials. A plurality of support wheels are rotatably coupled to the framework for rolling engagement with an associated underlying support surface to support the framework thereon. At least one elevated U- shaped platform is supported by the framework for providing a first position raised from the support surface with at least degree horizontal accessibility to the construction materials being placed within the work area. Lifting means are positionable on the framework for extension into the work area to lift the construction materials into selected positions and ladder means are defined by the structure of the framework and extend from substantially the support surface to'the elevated platform.

In one preferred embodiment of the scaffolding assembly, there are provided three platforms, one of which is substantially at the support surface level and the other two being provided in stacked parallel align ment to the one platform at elevated positions. A vertically extending frame compartment or cage is provided either as a separately attachable framework or as an integral part of the main framework for comprising an enclosure for the ladder means. The frame compartment is completely enclosed on all external sides except for an opening at substantially the support surface level for providing access to mount the ladder means. The framework includes first stabilizers located adjacent the support wheels and second stabilizers extendible outwardly from beneath the bight section frame. A steering support wheel located beneath the cage frame includes a steering-braking handle attachment whereby the rolling direction of the integral framework can be controlled. A pair of guard rails are associated with each platform level, the topmost guard rail being positioned no greater than one-half of the vertical distance between adjacent pairs of platforms. The lifting means is comprised of a boom hoist and a winch and cable assembly with the boom hoist being removable between an operating position and a storage non-operating position with respect to the work area. The main framework can be expanded upwardly by the acceptance of one or more associated modular frameworks. The individual modular framework is substantially identical to a raised level of the main foundation framework.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will likely occur to those skilled in the particular art as the invention is described in connection with the accompanying drawing.

FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of a multi-Ievel portable scaffolding assembly comprised in accordance with the present invention having a detachable lifting means employed therewith and showing a discontinuation in its height dimension;

FIG. 2 is a frontal perspective view of an additive scaffolding unit whereby the height of the scaffolding assembly can be increased and showing a manner of attachment for the additive unit to a top section of the scaffolding assembly;

FIG. 3 is a rear plan view of the scaffolding assembly of FIG. 1 showing a winch and cable apparatus as a part of the lifting means and further showing stabilizing means for use in stabilizing the scaffolding assembly with respect to a set of support wheels and the underlying support surface, respectively;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of a separate and attachable vertical framework being associated with a main framework to provide a ladder enclosure;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the scaffolding assembly as shown in FIGS. 1-3 showing a manner of assembly therefor;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a boom hoist unit comprising part of the detachable lifting means of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a steering and braking wheel unit employed with the scaffolding assembly.

FIG. 1 shows a scaffolding assembly or apparatus particularly advantageous in arranging vertical construction assemblies such as steel reinforcement matrices for concrete columns, carpentry forms for shaping and containing poured concrete to be set, plumbing materials and other construction materials to be arranged to have a substantial vertical dimension. In one preferred embodiment, the scaffolding apparatus 20 is comprised of a generally U-shaped integral main framework 21 constructed of rigid, strong and durable bar elements such as square (including rectangular cross section) steel tubing although tubing of circular cross section could as well be utilized. The main framework 21 is comprised of essentially three separate levels, i.e., a lowermost or bottom level 23, a middlemost or intermediate level 25 (most of which has been omitted for clarity of illustration), and an uppermost or top level 27. Commensurate with the U-shape configuration, the main framework 21 has a bight section frame 29 and two leg section frames 31 and 33 defining an open-ended interior work area 35 therebetween. Further, the main framework 21 as shown in FIG. 1 includes a front wall 37, a rear wall 39 and two opposite and outer side walls 41 and 43, respectively.

The main framework 21 is conveniently supported on a plurality of pivotable, rotatable support wheels which enable the scaffolding apparatus 20 to be readily transported over an underlying support surface. As shown in the drawing, there are provided a pair of front wheel units 42 and 44, a pair of rear wheel units 46 and 48 and a rearmost steering and braking wheel unit 50, shown most clearly in FIG. 7. The main framework 21 includes as an integral part of its structure in FIGS. 1-3 and as a separately attachable frame in FIG. 4, a vertical cage-like ladder enclosure 51. The ladder enclosure 51 substantially encloses a ladder structure 53 which provides means for mounting the intermediate and top framework levels 25 and 27 of the main framework 21. The ladder enclosure 51 includes an entrance or opening 55 adjacent the ladder structure 53 and provided on the bottom level 23 whereby access can be had to the ladder structure 53 for mounting and dismounting purposes. It is apparent that the entrance opening 55 could be provided in other than the exterior side wall 41 but it is thought to be ideally located for the present scaffolding configuration.

In accordance with the invention, there are provided a plurality of main platform surfaces supported by the framework, namely, platform surfaces 61, 63 and 65 associated with the three framework levels 23, 25 and 27, respectively. It has been satisfactory to utilize spreaded steel mesh grading for comprising the platform surfaces 61, 63 and 65 and this material is shown in the drawing. The mest platforms 61, 63 and 65 can be seen to be patterned in the U-shaped configuration of the main framework 21. When construction materials are positioned approximately centrally of the work area 35, there is provided at least l horizontal access to the construction materials from positions on any bight section of the platform surfaces 61, 63 and 65. For additional support and working area, the ladder enclosure 51 is provided with three extension platform surfaces 64, 66 and 68, similarly comprised of spreaded steel mesh grading, at the three separate framework levels 21, 23 and 25. The extension platforms 64, 66 and 68 are substantially coextensive with the main platform surfaces 61, 63 and 65, respectively. Each such extension platform provides an enlarged working area rearwardly of the main framework 21 and enhances mounting upon and dismounting from the ladder structure 53. The raised extension platforms 66 and 68 are discontinued in the area adjacent the face of the ladder structure 53 for facilitating passage therealong. These discontinuations of the extension platforms cooperate with adjacent framework bar elements to define passageway openings 71 and 73 in the extension platforms 66 and 68, respectively.

The main framework 21 includes vertical corner posts 75, 77, 79 and 81 on the front wall 37, a pair of interior vertical corner posts 83 and 85 defining the interior corners of the work area 35 and on the rear wall 39 of the main framework 21 are vertical corner posts 87, 89 and 91. The ladder enclosure 51 provides an additional two vertical corner posts 93 and 95. The ladder enclosure 51 is thought to greatly increase the safety features of the ladder structure 53 in providing a complete cage-like enclosure about the face area of the ladder 53 with the exception of the entrance opening 55 on the bottom level 23. Between the vertical corner posts 93 and 95 and the posts 95 and 89 on all three framework levels and between the posts 93 and 87 on the intermediate and top levels 25 and 27 are provided vertical interior posts shown generally at 97. Preferably, these interior posts 97 are of smaller cross section and less weight than the corner posts so as to decrease the overall weight of the scaffolding apparatus 20 wherever possible.

The main framework 21 includes three supporting floor structures 101, 103 and 105 provided beneath the platform surfaces 61, 63 and 65, respectively. The lower level floor structure 101 includes two exterior or outer side rails 107, 109 and an end rail 111 defining the floor of the leg section frame 31; two exterior or outer side rails 113, 115 and an end rail 117 defining the floor of the other leg section frame 33; two interior or inner rails 119, 121 extending longitudinally of the side rails 107, 109 and 113, 115, respectively, for supporting the width of the two leg sections of the platform surface 61; and a plurality of lateral cross members shown at 123 and 125 interconnecting the inner rails 119 and 121 with their respective outer side rails. The floor structure of the bight section frame 29 includes an interior traverse rail 127 and a rearward traverse rail 129 interconnected by a plurality of lateral cross members 131. All lateral cross members are spaced sufficiently close for nomyielding supporting of the platform surface 61.

The ladder enclosure 51 includes on the bottom level 23, outer support rails 133, and 137 arranged in a three-sided enclosure. The extension platform surface 64 is supported by a number of interior rails arranged as desired in a closely spaced grid-like pattern. Now, likewise the floor structure 103 includes two pairs of exterior or outer side rails 141, 143 and 145, 147; end rails 149 and 151; and a pair of interior or inner longitudinal rails 153, 155 interconnected to their respective outer side rails by a plurality of lateral cross members 157 and 159. The floor structure 103 includes bight section rails 161 and 163 interconnected by lateral cross members 165. The intermediate level 25 of the ladder enclosure 51 includes outer support rails 167, 169 and 171. The top floor structure 105 includes in a repeating pattern, two pairs of exterior or outer side rails 173, and 177, 179; end rails 181 and 183; a pair of interior or inner rails 185, 187 interconnected by lateral cross members 189, 191, respectively; and bight section rails 193 and 195 interconnected by lateral cross members 197. The top level 27 of the ladder enclosure 51 includes three outer support rails 194, 196 and 198.

The platform surfaces 61, 63 and 65 and the extension platforms 64, 66 and 68 comprise more narrower and more enlarged footways, respectively, for construction workers performing placement and erection of various construction materials within the work area 35. In order to provide adequate working space along the footways, the width of the interior dimension of the leg section frames 31 and 33 and the bight section frame 29 should be at least 20 inches and preferably somewhat larger. The worker should be comfortable when standing erect and the height of. the bottom and intermediate levels 23 and 25 should be approximately 6.5 feet or higher. The length dimension of the leg section frames 31 and 33 on each of the three main framework levels' 23, 25 and 27 are substantially equal as shown in the drawing and are desirably designed as is the width (lateral) dimension of the work area 35, in view of the dimensions of the columns and piers to be accommodated. That is to say the work area 35 should be spacious enough to permit the handling and placement of materials between the leg section frames 31 and 33 and deep enough to permit working access to all sides of the column framework and carpentry forms. It is to be noted that the steel mesh grading comprising the platform surfaces 61, 63, 65 and 64, 66, 68 has been discontinued in the drawing to prevent obstructing the full illustration of the supporting floor structures 101, 103 and 105.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ladder structure 53 includes a pair of vertical corner posts having a plurality of cross rung members therebetween. The vertical corner posts are the previously mentioned post 87 and a post 201. The ladder structure 53 could as well be provided as a separate and attachable structure, positionable onto the main framework 21 if desired. The vertical corner post 201 is seen to be spaced from the bight section corner post 89 so as to define an entrance opening on each of the three main framework levels 23, 25 and 27 between the platform surfaces 61, 63, 65 and 64, 66, 68, respectively. The cross rungs of the ladder structure 53 are to be spaced apart in a standard manner to provide comfortable ascent and descent; however, it is an important safety aspect to space the cross rungs so that a worker will not have to grasp the elevated bight section rails 163 and 195 that are part of the floor structures 103 and 105.

Another safety feature of the scaffolding apparatus 20 is to provide each framework level 23, 25 and 27 with a lower guard rail or mid-rail 203 and an upper guard rail or hand rail 205. The mid-rail 203 is placed within the two exterior side walls 41 and 43 and the front wall 37. The hand rail 205 is also placed within the framework walls 37, 41 and 43 and additionally is placed adjacent to and around the periphery of the work area 35 to prevent a workers inadvertently falling into the work area 35 during the placing and handling of construction materials. It is thought that a judicious placement of the hand rail 205 is not more than onehalf of the vertical distance between adjacent platform surfaces 61, 63 and 65 and perhaps slightly less than one-half the distance so as not to unduly restrict access to the materials within the work area 35. The mid-rails 203 are placed at approximately one-half the distance from the adjacent hand rails 205 to the lowermost plat form surfaces 61, 63 and 65. On the upper framework level 27, the hand rail 205 extends entirely around the main framework 21 and the ladder enclosure 51. Still another safety feature is provided by retaining guard members 211, FIG. 4, which are desirably placed on at least the two elevated framework levels 25 and 27 along the leg section frames 31 and 33 and within the two side walls 41 and 43 and the front wall 37. The retaining guard members are provided for the purpose of retaining objects on the platform surfaces 63 and 65 which might otherwise be inadvertently dislodged. If desired, the retaining members 211 can be extended around the periphery of the work area 35 to prevent objects from falling into the work area 35 as well as around the outside edges of the ladder enclosure 51.

As shown in FIG. 1, the main framework 21 is provided with lifting means in the form of a boom hoist device 221 and a winch and cable assembly 223 having a cable 224 reeled about a drum 222 and including a conventional lOading hook 225 attached to the free end of the cable 224. The lifting means enables the scaffolding apparatus to be utilized to construct steel reinforcement matrices or re-bar frames or to position heavy construction materials such as carpentry forms without the aid of other lifting apparatus such as booms or cranes. The boom hoist 221 is supported in a diagonal position extending across the hand rail 205 on the upper level 27 so as to extend a first end portion of the boom into the central region of the work area 35. The opposite end portion of the boom hoist 221 is supported generally above the drum 222 of the winch and cable assembly 223. The winch assembly 223 is conveniently provided with a pair of crank handles 227 for manual operation in lifting rnd lowering construction materials within the work area 35.

The boom hoist device 221 is a standard unit having an exterior tubular housing 226, FIG. 6, and a pair of oppositely spaced rotatable pulleys 231 and 233 at the ends of the housing 226. The cable 224 is slidably engaged by the pulleys 231 and 233 and extends through the housing 226. Housing guard members 227 are provided adjacent the pulleys 231 and 233, respectively, to reduce the risk of injury from a lashing broken cable or a revolving pulley. The housing 226 is provided with a pair of mounting posts 228 and 230 by which the boom hoist 221 is positioned onto the main framework 21 following insertion of the posts 228 and 230 into a pair of tubular brackets 234 and 236. The tubular brackets 234 and 236 are attached as by welding to the upper hand rail 205 so as to provide the diagonal mounting position of the boom hoist 221. Another pair of tubular brackets 238 and 240 are provided in attachment to the upper hand rail 205 along the side wall 43 of the main framework 21 for permitting the boom hoist 221 to be placed in a non-operating storage position as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1. Thus, the boom hoist 221 is removable from across the upper level footway 65 when it is not in use. The drum 222 of the winch and cable assembly 223 is mounted to the rear wall 39 of the main framework by means of its attachment to a mounting plate 241. It is apparent that if desired the drum 222 could be rotated by standard power means (not shown).

FIGS. 1 and 3 show stabilizing means employed in connection with the use of the scaffolding apparatus 20 wherein first stabilizers are provided in the form of a pair of forward or front stabilizer posts 245 and 247 having foundation pads 245' and 247' and a pair of rearward or back stabilizer posts 246 and 248 having foundation pads 246' and 248'. Additionally second stabilizers are provided in the form of a pair of extendible stabilizer bars 250 and 252 having foundation pads 250' and 252'. It should be apparent that the stabilizing means provide important structural support felt to be required because of the substantial height dimension of the scaffolding apparatus 20, especially in view of the embodiment of an additive frame section 260 shown in FIG. 2 by which to increase the height dimension of the main framework 21.

FIG. 2 shows an additive frame section 260 which can be attached to the upper framework level 27 by means of male and female coupling structures 261 and 262, respectively, and lateral retaining plates 263. As can be readily seen in the drawing, the additive frame section 260 is substantially identical to an intermediate section of the main framework 21 which would extend upwardly from one hand rail 205 to another hand rail 205. According to a preferred placement of the coupling structures, three pairs of associated male coupling members 261 are located on the hand rail 205 of the upper framework level 27 and three pair of aligned female coupling members 262 are located on the additive frame section 260. Two pairs of the lateral retaining plates 263 are used and are attached to the hand rail 205 along the side walls 41 and 43 of the main framework 21. In order to provide attachment means for still another additive frame section like the frame section 260, the same pattern of coupling structures 261 and 263 are repeated again on the uppermost portion of the additive frame section 260.

The additive frame section 260 includes a ladder enclosure 271; a ladder structure 273; an extension platform surface 274 defining an opening 275 adjacent the face of the ladder structure 273; a plurality of vertical members 277 for enclosing the ladder enclosure 271; a platform surface 279 supported by an underlying floor structure 281 including outer side rails 283, 285 and 287, 289 and longitudinal midrails 286, 288 interconnected to the outer side rails 283, 285 and 287, 289 by traverse rails 291, 293, respectively, and further including bight section rails 295, 297; and the corner vertical posts are shown at 301 through 311. Some other parts that are identical to corresponding parts on lhe main framework 21 have been given the same reference numeral to indicate their function on the additive frame section 260.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment for the ladder enclosure 51 and main framework 21 of the scaffolding apparatus 20. Only the top fragmentary portions of the parts 51 and 21 are shown but it is felt that this showing is sufficient to fully illustrate the change from the primary embodiments thereof. For example, the ladder enclosure 51 now is a four-sided enclosure which is separately attachable to the rear wall 39 of the alternative main framework 21 as by means of the brackets 305. Lateral cross bars 306 have been added to the ladder enclosure 51 at the hand rail 205 and the platform surface levels 64, 66 and 68 to comprise the fourth side of the enclosure 51. The The brackets 305 are attached as by welding to the lateral cross bars 306 at any number of these locations and conveniently hook onto adjacently positioned hand rails 205 and bight section rails 129, 163 and 195. The steel mesh grading of the platform surfaces 61, 63 and 65 can be cut away adjacent the rails 129, 163 and to define openings for receiving the free end portions of associated brackets 305 in an obvious manner. Th other parts shown in FIG. 4 are thought to be selfexplanatory from a consideration of the preceding text. However, it is to be noted that new vertical corner posts 87' and 89' have been added to the main framework 21, and the openings from the extension platform surfaces 64, 66 and 68 onto the platform surfaces 61, 63 and 65 are at least partially obscured by the added rails 306 and 205. Since the distance between the lower rail 306 in FIG. 4 and the upper rail 306 is approximately three and one-half feet, the worker can simply duck below the rails 306 and 205 and thereby pass onto the upper level platform surface 65 without undue difficulty. Although not shown in the drawing, the brackets 305 are attached to the rails 306 at the floor surface levels and the rail 306 is not positioned at the middle height position on the other framework levels 23 and 25. It can also be eliminated on the top framework level 27,. if desired, but has been shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. shows a manner of assembly for the multilevel portable scaffolding apparatus whereby lockable coupling structures 310 are provided including a male coupling member 311 having an extension 313 which is receivable within a tubular female coupling member 315. A pin element 314 is provided for insertion through both the coupling member 315 and the extension 313 to provide means by which to lock the coupling structure 310. FIG. 5 shows a preferred assembly of the scaffolding apparatus 20 whereby the corner vertical posts 75 and 77 are provided with coupling struc tures 310 at each intersection with the floor supporting structures (only floor structures 101 and 103 being shown in FIG. 5). It should be apparent that the other intersections between corner posts and floor structures are also provided with the coupling structures 310 so as to provide for ease of assembly and disassembly of the scaffolding apparatus 20 whenever desired.

FIG. 7 shows the fifth wheel unit 50 which constitutes the steering and braking wheel unit for the scaffolding apparatus 20. The wheel unit 50 includes a tire 325 that is rotatable about its central axis at 326 and suspended from a U-shaped fork member 327. The fork 327 is pivotably mounted with respect to a wheel support plate 329 attached to suitable framing members 331. A braking mechanism 335 is pivotable about the central axis 326 and includes a handle 337 and a braking bar 339 which through rotation of the handle 337 can be lowered into frictional engagement with the tire 325 to tus 20 to provide that the wheel units 42, 44, 46 and 48 also pivot with respect to their wheel support plates, either a full 360 of rotation or 270 degree rotation as desired. Although not shown in the drawing, the wheel units 42, 44, 46, 48 and 50 can be locked against rotation with respect to their central axis by any suitable means such as by an insertable pin element, and the wheel units can even be removed while the scaffolding apparatus 20 is to remain stationary so as to provide a firm, steady base from which to maneuver vertically arranged construction materials.

Othei' safety features can be added to the scaffolding apparatus 20 such as the addition of an upturned ledge member 320 attached to the floor supporting structures 101, 103 and 105 and extending about the exterior periphery of the leg section frames 31 and 33 of the main framework 21. It is apparent that the ledge member 320 is intended to retain loose objects on the platform surfaces 61, 63 and 65 against inadvertent dislodgement. The ledge members 320 have not been provided around the interior periphery of the framework 21 adjacent the work area 35 but could be so provided if desired. lt is to be understood that while the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, the invention is not limited to the precise forms set forth, and that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

What is claimed is:

l. A generally U-shaped scaffolding assembly for use in placing and working with construction materials to be arranged to have substantial height dimensions, said scaffolding assembly comprising a generally U-shaped framework having a bight sec tion frame and two oppositely disposed leg section frames defining an open-ended interior work area within which to place and work with elongated construction materials, at least a pair of parallel stacked U-shaped platform surfaces supported by said framework for providing vertically disposed first and second positions, respectively, from which to present access to said construction materials, ladder means on said framework providing mounting access to at least an elevated one of said platform surfaces, removable lifting means, one portion which is mounted on said framework in a first position for extending into said work area and in a second position for providing the storage thereof, and a plurality of support wheels rotatably coupled to said framework for rolling engagement with an associated underlying support surface for said framework.

2. The U-shaped scaffolding assembly of claim 1 wherein said ladder means is provided on said bight section frame of said framework and said bight section frame further includes a vertical frame compartment comprising an enclosure for said ladder means, said ladder enclosure having an opening at substantially support surface level for providing access to mount said ladder means.

3. The U-shaped scaffolding assembly of claim 2 wherein said ladder enclosure includes a pair of parallel stacked, extension platform surfaces which are generally coextensive with said pair of U-shaped platform surfaces, respectively, said extension platform surfaces cooperating with said ladder enclosure to define other openings adjacent the face of said ladder means for permitting passage along said ladder means whereby access is provided to said elevated platform surface through said ladder enclosure.

4. The U-shaped scaffolding assembly of claim 1 wherein first guard rail means are included above said elevated platform surface extending about the periphery of the leg section frames of said framework in predetermined parallel spacing with respect to said elevated surface and said spacing about the interior periphery of said U-shaped framework adjacent said work area is no greater than one-half of the vertical spacing between said pair of platform surfaces for providing access to said work area from said platform surfaces.

5. The U-shaped scaffolding assembly of claim 4 wherein second guard rail means are provided on said framework extending about the exterior periphery of the leg section frames of said framework generally intermediately of said elevated surface and said first rail means.

6. The U-shaped scaffolding assembly of claim 4 wherein said framework includes stabilizing means thereon in the form of first and second pairs of stabilizer posts provided on the leg section frames and the bight section frame of said framework, respectively, said first pair of stabilizer posts being extendible downwardly for engaging said underlying support surface and said second pair of stabilizer posts being extendible both downwardly and outwardly for engaging said underlying support surface.

7. The U-shaped scaffolding assembly of claim 6 wherein said framework comprises a foundation framework and an additive frame is provided for coupling engagement to said foundation framework to present a stacked arrangement of frameworks, said additive frame comprises a U-shaped framework having a bight section frame and two oppositely disposed leg section frames defining an open-ended interior work area and includes a U-shaped platform surface supported thereon in parallel stacked relationship to the platform surfaces of said foundation framework.

8. The U-shaped scaffolding apparatus of claim 7 wherein said foundation framework and said additive frame include complementary and aligned coupling structures provided generally forwardly and rearwardly thereof and being engageable to prevent displacement of said additive frame with respect to said foundation framework, and further said foundation framework includes retaining brace members generally intermediately of the ends thereof for bracing said additive frame against lateral displacement of said additive frame with respect to said foundation framework.

9. The U-shaped scaffolding assembly of claim 8 wherein said one portion of said lifting means is mounted on said additive frame in said first position for extending into said work area and in said second position for providing the storage thereof.

10. The U-shaped scaffolding assembly of claim 1 wherein said plurality of rotatable support wheels comprise a pair of forward wheel units, a pair of rearward wheel units and a single rearward wheel unit and said single rearward wheel unit comprises a steering and braking wheel unit for steering the movement of said framework with respect to said underlying support surface and for braking the framework against such movement.

11. A U-shaped scaffolding assembly useful for placing and working with construction materials, said scaffolding assembly comprising in combination: a generally U-shaped integral framework having a bight section frame and two leg section frames defining an openended interior work area accommodating the passage of said construction materials through the open-end of said work area, a plurality of parallel stacked U-shaped platform surfaces supported by said framework for providing a plurality of vertically disposed positions from which to place and work with said materials, ladder means provided on said framework for mounting said platform surfaces, lifting means mountable on said framework in a first position in which said lifting means extends into said work area and in a second position in which said lifting means is stored on said framework, and a plurality of support wheels rotatably coupled to said framework for rolling engagement with an associated underlying support surface for said framework.

12. The U-shaped scaffolding assembly of claim 11 wherein said ladder means is provided on said bight section frame of said framework and said bight section frame further includes a vertical frame compartment comprising an enclosure for said ladder means, said ladder enclosure having an opening at substantially support surface level for providing access to mount said ladder means.

13. A scaffolding framework comprising in combination: generally U-shaped base and raised platform frameworks supporting correspondingly shaped surfaces thereon, an intermediate bar matrix coupled to said base and raised platform frameworks and supporting the same in a parallel stacked relationship, an upper bar matrix coupled to said raised platform framework and adapted to be coupled to additive platform frameworks and bar matrices, said intermediate and said upper bar matrices including first guard rail means extending about the periphery of the base and raised frameworks, respectively, in a predetermined spacing above said frameworks, said spacing about the interior periphery of said U-shaped framework being no greater than one-half of the vertical spacing between adjacently stacked platform frameworks, and further including second guard rail means for said intermediate and upper bar matrices, said second rail means extending about the exterior periphery of the base and raised frameworks, respectively, generally intermediately of said first rail means and said base and raised frameworks, respectively, and a plurality of support wheels rotatably coupled to said base framework for providing rolling engagement with an associated underlying support surface.

14. The scaffolding framework of claim 13 wherein said base framework includes stabilizing means thereon in the form of first stabilizer posts extendible downwardly for engaging said underlying support surface and second stabilizer posts extendible both downwardly and outwardly for engaging said underlying support surface. 

1. A generally U-shaped scaffolding assembly for use in placing and working with construction materials to be arranged to have substantial height dimensions, said scaffolding assembly comprising a generally U-shaped framework having a bight section frame and two oppositely disposed leg section frames defining an openended interior work area within which to place and work with elongated construction materials, at least a pair of parallel stacked U-shaped platform surfaces supported by said framework for providing vertically disposed first and second positions, respectively, from which to present access to said construction materials, ladder means on said framework providing mounting access to at least an elevated one of said platform surfaces, removable lifting means, one portion which is mounted on said framework in a first position for extending into said work area and in a second position for providing the storage thereof, and a plurality of support wheels rotatably coupled to said framework for rolling engagement with an associated underlying support surface for said framework.
 2. The U-shaped scaffolding assembly of claim 1 wherein said ladder means is provided on said bight section frame of said framework and said bight section frame further includes a vertical frame compartment comprising an enclosure for said ladder means, said ladder enclosure having an opening at substantially support surface level for providing access to mount said ladder means.
 3. The U-shaped scaffolding assembly of claim 2 wherein said ladder enclosure includes a pair of parallel stacked extension platform surfaces which are generally coextensive with said pair of U-shaped platform surfaces, respectively, said extension platform surfaces cooperating with said ladder enclosure to define other openings adjacent the face of said ladder means for permitting passage along said ladder means whereby access is provided to said elevated platform surface through said ladder enclosure.
 4. The U-shaped scaffolding assembly of claim 1 wherein first guard rail means are included above said elevated platform surface extending about the periphery of the leg section frames of said framework in predetermined parallel spacing with respect to said elevated surface and said spacing about the interior periphery of said U-shaped framework adjacent said work area is no greater than one-half of the vertical spacing between said pair of platform surfaces for providing access to said work area from said platform surfaces.
 5. The U-shaped scaffolding assembly of claim 4 wherein second guard rail means are provided on said framework extending about the exterior periphery of the leg section frames of said framework generally intermediately of said elevated surface and said first rail means.
 6. The U-shaped scaffolding assembly of claim 4 wherein said framework includes stabilizing means thereon in the form of first and second pairs of stabilizer posts provided on the leg section frames and the bight section frame of said framework, respectively, said first pair of stabilizer posts being extendible downwardly for engaging said underlying support surface and said second pair of stabilizer posts being extendible both downwardly and outwardly for engaging said underlying support surface.
 7. The U-shaped scaffolding assembly of claim 6 wherein said framework comprises a foundation framework and an additive frame is provided for coupling engagement to said foundation framework to present a stacked arrangement of frameworks, said additive frame comprises a U-shaped framework having a bight section frame and two oppositely disposed leg section frames defining an open-ended interior work area and includes a U-shaped platform surface supported thereon in parallel stacked relationship to the platform surfaces of said foundation framework.
 8. The U-shaped scaffolding apparatus of claim 7 wherein said foundation framework and said additive frame include complementary and aligned coupling structures provided generally forwardly and rearwardly thereof and being engageable to prevent displacement of said additive frame with respect to said foundation framework, and further said foundation framework includes retaining brace members generally intermediately of the ends thereof for bracing said additive frame against lateral displacement of said additive frame with respect to said foundation framework.
 9. The U-shaped scaffolding assembly of claim 8 wherein said one portion of said lifting means is mounted on said additive frame in said first position for extending into said work area and in said second position for providing the storage thereof.
 10. The U-shaped scaffolding assembly of claim 1 wherein said plurality of rotatable support wheels comprise a pair of forward wheel units, a pair of rearward wheel units and a single rearward wheel unit and said single rearward wheel unit comprises a steering and braking wheel unit for steering the movement of said framework with respect to said underlying support surface and for braking the framework against such movement.
 11. A U-shaped scaffolding assembly useful for placing and working with construction materials, said scaffolding assembly comprising in combination: a generally U-shaped integral framework having a bight section frame and two leg section frames defining an open-ended interior work area accommodating the passage of said construction materials through the open-end of said work area, a plurality of parallel stacked U-shaped platform surfaces supported by said framework for providing a plurality of vertically disposed positions from which to place and work with said materials, ladder means provided on said framework for mounting said platform surfaces, lifting means mountable on said framework in a first position in which said lifting means extends into said work area and in a second position in which said lifting means is stored on said framework, and a plurality of support wheels rotatably coupled to said framework for rolling engagement with an associated underlying support surface for said framework.
 12. The U-shaped scaffolding assembly of claim 11 wherein said ladder means is provided on said bight section frame of said framework and said bight section frame further includes a vertical frame compartment comprising an enclosure for said ladder means, said ladder enclosure having an opening at substantially support surface level for providing access to mount said ladder means.
 13. A scaffolding framework comprising in combination: generally U-shaped base and raised platform frameworks supporting correspondingly shaped surfaces thereon, an intermediate bar matrix coupled to said base and raised platform frameworks and supporting the same in a parallel stacked relationship, an upper bar matrix coupled to said raised platform framework and adapted to be coupled to additive platform frameworks and bar matrices, said intermediate and said upper bar matrices including first guard rail means extending about the periphery of the base and raised frameworks, respectively, in a predetermined spacing above said frameworks, said spacing about the interior periphery of said U-shaped framework being no greater than one-half of the vertical spacing between adjacently stacked platform frameworks, and further including second guard rail means for said intermediate and upper bar matrices, said second rail means extending about the exterior periphery of the base and raised frameworks, respectively, generally intermediately of said first rail means and said base and raised frameworks, respectively, and a plurality of support wheels rotatably coupled to said base framework for providing rolling engagement with an associated underlying support surface.
 14. The scaffolding framework of claim 13 wherein said base framework includes stabilizing means thereon in the form of first stabilizer posts extendible downwardly for engaging said underlying support surface and second stabilizer posts extendible both downwardly and outwardly for engaging said underlying support surface. 